WIFA red cards teams, officials

Mumbai football has hit a new low on Wednesday after Mumbai FC U-19 and Akbar Travels were denied entry into the Cooperage ground, thanks to the ongoing rift between the Western India Football Association (WIFA) and the Mumbai District Football Association (MDFA).

Mumbai FC and Akbar Travels were supposed to face off in an Elite division match of the Mumbai Football League at Cooperage. The teams had to reach the ground an hour prior to the 3.30pm kick-off time. Upon reaching the ground, the teams found the stadium doors locked and none of the WIFA members present. Chaos followed as the teams, nearly half a dozen MDFA office bearers and the general public gathered outside the stadium. Their attempt to reason with the WIFA officials went in vain.

The fracas is a result of the tussle over the two refereeing bodies, the Bombay Referees Association (BRA) and Bombay Football Referees Association (BFRA).

WIFA insists that matches at the Cooperage should be officiated by BRA referees and not the ‘unqualified’ BFRA referees as they ‘are unfit, overaged and not up to the mark.’ In fact, there is a feeling of disillusionment among the MDFA members themselves over their president Kehar Singh. “WIFA had clearly told that matches won’t be allowed at the Cooperage unless the referees’ problem is solved. Had he adhered to WIFA, the controversy could have been avoided,” an MDFA member told DNA.

WIFA executive member Santiago Alphanso said they had no option but to lock the gates. “We did not want any damage to the property. The ground was watered, so we couldn’t have allowed the players to step on the pitch,” he said.

Both factions plan to meet soon to find a solution. MDFA wants the league matches to be held at Cooperage. “Else we won’t continue with the league. It is Mumbai’s premier league and has to be played at Cooperage,” MDFA vice president Vilas Rane said.